Saturday, May 31, 2014

Along side our neighbors, 12 Meter Charters was pleased to participate in an open house of Bowen's Wharf last week. It was a beautiful evening to show off all that the "anchor of Newport" has to offer. Shopping, tasty treats, spectacular views and, of course, sailing - Bowen's Wharf is home to the best of Newport. Thank you to all that joined us, we hope to see you again soon on the wharf!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Earlier this week our America's Cup winner, Columbia, was launched for another year of sailing in Newport, RI. Check out the shots below to see what 70 feet and 68,000 pounds looks like as it is lowered into the water. WOW! She is looking pretty good for 56 years old, don't you think?

Join 12 Meter Charters and sail aboard Columbia this summer - it is an experience not to be missed!

Columbia is available for sailing charters in Newport, Rhode Island. During your sail guests may actively participate in the sailing or just sit back and enjoy the sights. No sailing experience is necessary! 12 Meter Charters proudly offers Columbia, 1958 America's Cup winner, for charter in Newport, RI. Our yachts provide the perfect venue for events including:

Congratulations to our fabulous crew! Thank you to our wonderful clients, supporters and friends for sailing with us! We look forward to welcoming you aboard this season.

Not sure what all the hype is about? Join 12 Meter Charters for a sail! We offer sailing options in Newport for groups of one to over 300 guests. Here are just a few of the great events 12 Meter Charters offers:

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Columbia is painted, prepped and ready to splash into another year of sailing in Newport, Rhode Island! Here's where US 16 spent her winter, in a winning storage shed. Columbia was next to 12 Meter, US 26, Courageous this winter. Both yachts were designed by Olin Stephens and won the America's Cup right here in Newport. 12 Meter Charters is looking forward to seeing both winners sailing again in Newport this summer!

Welcome to Newport Atlantic Cup sailors! Yesterday evening the Atlantic Cup sailors arrived in Narragansett Bay. The 240 mile second leg of the Atlantic Cup saw very fast racing that shattered the course record by more than 6 hours. Team JeffreyMacFarlane.com won this leg by just 1 minute and 20 seconds over second place finishers, Dragon.

This intense double-handed, offshore sailing race set sail from Charleston on May 10, stopped in New York City and finally made it to Newport over the weekend with some boats arriving in the wee hours. The race is also committed to being the most environmentally responsible sailing race in the U.S.

"Great weather and calm seas contributed to the wonderful experience on board Heritage yesterday! All five of us had a terrific time out on the water! This boat is built for speed and not for comfort, so be prepared to move around to accommodate the crew movements and rigging changes. Definitely recommended for anyone that has that unfulfilled America's Cup dream. All of us had a chance to "man the helm"! Boat is 70,000lbs of sailing machine! Captain and Crew were very helpful with all aspects of the cruise. Hoisting the main sail is definitely not for the out of shape! The first few hoists were deceptively easy, then the going got HEAVIER and HEAVIER! Oh man, was I glad when they started using the winch!!! :)Again, please keep in mind this boat was built for speed and not for comfort, but is definitely an excellent experience for anyone with dreams of being the Skipper of an America's Cup boat!"For more customer reviews of 12 Meter Charters visit TripAdvisor!

Friday, May 16, 2014

Yesterday Team SCA left Newport and headed back across the pond to their training base in Spain. Their transatlantic crossing to Newport was the first for the all woman crew who is training for the 2014-15 Ocean Volvo Race. The 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race which will begin in October 2014 is a race that takes sailors around the world to ports including Cape Town, Abu Dhabi, Auckland and....Newport, Rhode Island! Newport is very excited to be the only American port on the race's course and will welcome the boats to Ft. Adams in May 2015. Just another reason why Newport is a world class sailing destination.

Check out these great shots of Team SCA leaving Newport by George Bekris. Sail fast Team SCA looking forward to seeing you in Newport next year!

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Located right in the heart of downtown Newport, on America's Cup Avenue, the Bowen's Wharf Welcome Center offers the best information about Newport. Open daily, the Welcome Center has a friendly and knowledgeable staff including the unforgettable, Lisa. They stand ready to answer all your questions about Newport. You can also purchase Newport souvenirs and, most importantly, 12 Meter Sail tickets at the Bowen's Wharf Welcome Center.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

BEACHES. NIGHTLIFE. SAILING. SHOPPING. RESTAURANTS. WINE VINEYARDS.

For these reasons and more, Newport, Rhode Island is the perfect Bachelor and Bachelorette party destination. Throughout the summer the 12 Meter Charters' team will be using our local knowledge to dream up and share with you sample itineraries for a Newport Bachelorette Weekend. These are just ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Of course, in Newport, fun Bachelorette party ideas are endless...

Newport Bachelorette Weekend # 1

Sip and Sailing Fun!

Drive to Newport bright and early on a Saturday morning. Check-in to an affordable (they do exist and 12 Meter Charters will help you find one!) hotel/motel option on the outskirts of Newport.

Next, your driver(12 Meter Charters can help you arrange your transportation for the day) will pick you up at your hotel for a day vineyard tours and wine tasting! First stop is Sakonnet Vineyards, a great winery about twenty minutes from Newport in beautiful Little Compton. Next second stop is Greenvale Vineyards, about fifteen minutes from downtown Newport. Stop and have a picnic with wine and cheese on their beautiful lawn - some days there is even live Jazz music playing. Last stop, is the Newport Vineyards and Winery, which has a wonderful, newly renovated, patio and a gorgeous view.

These are just three vineyards out of the many in RI surrounding Newport. These tours and tastings are a great way to explore Rhode Island and the vineyard staff will surely be excited celebrate the bride-to-be!After freshening up at your accommodation, take a taxi or guest shuttle to downtown Newport. Enjoy a late afternoon or sunset sail with 12 Meter Charters! Join one of our Daily Harbor Tours or arrange a Private Charter. Aboard our beautiful 65 foot sailing yachts you will see the sights of Newport from the water. Sit back and enjoy the sights or participate in the sailing - the bride-to-be can even take a turn at the wheel(sailor's cap is optional). Bring your own food, beer, wine and champagne (for the celebration) aboard. Our captain and crew stand ready to serve you and help continue the celebration of the bachelorette!

Finish the day with music, drinks and dancing at one of the indoor or outdoor hot spots in downtown Newport. The nightlife on Bowen's Wharf, Bannister's Wharf and Thames Street will not disappoint!

Spend Sunday morning at one of Newport's wonderful beaches or walking on the Cliff Walk, and then made the trek back to reality. What a great weekend!
If your wondering where to stay, eat, beach or go out, contact 12 Meter Charters. In addition to planning your sailing event, we stand ready to provide all the information you’ll need to make your Bachelorette Weekend in Newport one to remember!

Stay tuned for more Newport bachelorette party ideas and weekend itineraries!